Physical Assault Victimization and Coping Among Adults in Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Abstract

Many individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) have been victims of violence and individuals with SUDs often exhibit coping skills deficits. The extent to which coping skills relate to victimization is unknown. This study evaluated the relationships between physical assault victimization types (i.e., only partner victimization, only nonpartner victimization, or both partner and nonpartner victimization) and emotion-focused, problem-focused, and avoidant coping among individuals in residential SUD treatment. More frequent use of problem-focused coping was associated with reduced odds of being victimized by partners and nonpartners and more frequent use of avoidant coping was associated with increased odds of victimization across both partners and nonpartners. These results highlight the potential value of assessing violence across relationship types and bolstering adaptive coping among individuals with SUDs.